Get Ready to Learn with Innovative Strategies in the Classroom at P.G. Chambers School
Get Ready to Learn with Innovative Strategies in the Classroom at P.G. Chambers School
P.G. Chambers School recently hosted a workshop on October 29, 2013, Get Ready to Learn with Innovative Strategies in the Classroom. At the workshop, therapists and teachers from local school districts learned how to use technology, sensory processing, and movement to improve outcomes for their students. PGCS staff also shared their field experiences in school districts through our Contract Services Program. One innovative strategy highlighted during the workshop was The Brain Dance, a series of exercises comprised of eight developmental movement patterns that humans naturally use to move through everyday life. Deena Fried, a physical therapist on PGCS PT team, has been using a gross motor activity, The Brain Dance, in her individual sessions with students with disabilities at PGCS as well as local community schools.
After the October 29th workshop, Donna, a speech therapist from Denville, NJ School District was inspired to bring The Brain Dance to her students. She believed that all her students in her inclusive pre-school class would be able to benefit, whether or not they were receiving services. Together, Deena, PGCS PT, and Donna taught The Brain Dance to all the preschool teachers in Denville. The staff embraced the Brain Dance and were thrilled to incorporate a “morning exercise” routine to help their students get ready to learn. The Brain Dance helps with body awareness, midline orientation, and balance. Students were eager to follow the routine and dance before the start of the day. The teachers are still in the process of implementing a daily routine and they are excited to include it as part of their day.
Deb Petitjean, another PGCS PT team member, has been using The Brain Dance with two students whom she sees at contract in Parsippany High School. The Brain Dance prepares them to complete work related activities in the classroom and in the community.
We hope that you have been successfully using The Brain Dance with your students! Click here to view a video demonstrating The Brain Dance. For more information about Workshops or the PGCS Contract Services Program please contact Kristin Young, Director of Contract Services at 973-829-8484 or via email at YoungK@chambersschool.org.